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THE INDIAN ANTIQUARY.
[JULY, 1876.
when they found the gods were sat down, began to jest and banter in pleasant strain.
Chhand. 13. In pleasant strain with dark refrain they hint
at love's delight: Charmed with the song, the gods sit long, nor
heed the waning night. With growing zest each jovial guest prolongs
the festive hour: At last they rise; each bids adieu and seeks his separate bower.
Doha 107. Then the sages came and, declared to Himavant the marriage proposal, and, seeing the time was fit, sent to summon all the gods,
Capsi. Whom he courtcously addressed, and assigned to cach an appropriate seat. An altar was prepared according to Vedic ritual, while the women chanted festal strains; and a divinely beautiful throne was erected, the handiwork of a god, beyond description. Then Siva, after bowing to the Brâhmans, took his seat, remembering in his heart his own lord, Råma. Then the sages sent for Uma, who was brought in by her handmaids, richly adorned. All the gods beholding her beauty were enraptured. What poet in the world could describe such loveliness? The divinities, who recognized in her the uni. versal mother, the spouse of Mahadeva, adored her in their inmost soal-Bhavani, the crown of beauty, whose praises would still be beyond me even though I had a myriad tongues.
Chhand 14. A myriad tongues were all too few to sing her
matchless grace ; Where gods and muses shrink abashed, for
Tulsi's rhyme what place ? With dow cast eyes the glorious dame passed
up the hall, and fell, Bee-like, at Siva's lotus-feet, the lord she loved so well.
Dohá 108. At the injunction of the priests, both Sambhu and Bhavani paid divine honours to Gaņeś. And let no one be perplext on hearing this, but know well that they are gods from everlasting.
Chaupai. The whole marriage-ceremony was performed by the priests in accordance with Vedic ritual,
and the father, with kusa grass in his hand, took the bride and gave her to Siva. When tho two had joined hands, all the gods were glad of heart; the chief priests uttered the scriptural formula, and the cry went up of " Glory, glory, glory to Sankara !" all kinds of music began to play, and flowers were rained down from heaven. Thus was accomplished the marriage of Hara and Girija, amidst general rejoicing. The dowry given defies description-men-servants and maidservants, horses, carriages, elephants, cows, raiment, jewellery, things of all sorts, and wagonloads of grain and golden vessels.
Chhand 15. Thus great and more the dowry's store that
king Himanchal brought; Yet falling low at Siva's feet ho cried that all
was nought. The gracious lord cheered his sad sire in every
way most meet. Then Maina came, most loving dame, and clasped his lotus-feet:
Doha 109. "Uma, my lord, is dear to me as my own soul; take her as one of your servants, and pardon all her offences: this is the boon I beg of your favour."
Chaupai. After Sainbhu had in every possible way reassured his wife's mother, she bowed herself at bis feet and went home, there called for Umâ, and taking her into her lap gave her this excellent instruction :-"Be ever obedient to Sankara : to say 'My Lord and my God' is the sum of all wifely duty." At these words her eyes filled with tears, and again and again she pressed her daughter to her bosom :-"Why has God created woman in the world, seeing that she is always in a state of subjection, and never can even dream of happiness." Though utterly distracted by motherly love, she knew it was no time to display it, and restrained herself. Running to her again and again, and falling on the ground to clasp her feet, in a transport of affection beyond all words, Bhavâni said adieu to all her companions and then again went and clung to her mother's breast.
Chhand 16. Still clinging to her mother's breast she cheered
her weeping train, Then with her handmaids sought her spouse,
yet oft looked back again.
